DC United Takes to the Streets to Try to Keep the Team in DC

By: Laurie | May 8th, 2009

Poor DC United. Nobody wants to give them a home.

The four-time winners of both the MLS Cup and the Supporters Shield are currently playing in RFK Stadium, built in 1961, the former home of the Washington Redskins (US Football) and the Washington Nationals (baseball.) And attempts to give them a stadium of their own have been less than productive.

First, plans to stay in DC itself fell through. Then nearby Prince George’s County, Maryland, couldn’t get any officials to jump on the bandwagon. (Strike two.) Now Frederick County has expressed at least lukewarm interest, but

It’s one of the least centrally located counties in the region. A roundtrip journey would last longer than a game for many people.

And MLS Commissioner Don Garber has officially weighed in on the topic, saying that if a stadium deal can’t be reached, the team will be moved elsewhere — presumably to someplace that offers more political (read: financial) support.

So what’s the problem? Does the nation’s capital really not want soccer?

Hard to believe that. They have a hardcore fan base, and in the 2008 season — despite not having a great year — the team was third in attendance for the league and averaged nearly 20,000 fans a game. But somethow this fan base hasn’t translated into political clout. They just can’t seem to get a deal that will allow them to keep the team.

To draw attention to the issue, United fans have a march scheduled tomorrow to try to drum up support.

“D.C. United has long enjoyed a special relationship with our fans, who are the best in Major League Soccer,” said United President Kevin Payne. “No matter what the need, we can always count on the unswerving support of our fans. It’s no surprise that they’ve organized this march in support of our club. We hope the political leadership of the District, and the region, pay attention. We’re sure the march and rally will be enthusiastic and friendly.

Love DC or hate them, I think any MLS fan would have to admit that shipping them to another area of the country would be a bad result. So if you’re an MLS fan and anywhere near the capital tomorrow, consider stopping by to show your support.